How To Take Care of Your Teeth with Braces?

Dental braces are an effective solution for correcting misaligned teeth, helping to improve both appearance and oral health. However, maintaining proper oral hygiene during braces treatment can be challenging due to the presence of wires and brackets. In this article, we explore essential tips and expert advice on how to take care of your teeth while wearing braces, ensuring that you keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track. From brushing and flossing techniques to dietary recommendations, these guidelines will help you maintain optimal oral health throughout your orthodontic journey.

What is Dental Braces Treatment?

Dental braces or orthodontic treatment aims to improve the position of your misaligned upper and lower teeth to make them aligned. Since fixed braces stay until the end of the treatment, it is very important to maintain your oral health and keep your teeth clean.^[1] Let’s see how to keep your teeth clean.

1. Brush Your Teeth

It takes a longer time and effort to clean your teeth when you have braces since the wires and brackets make it difficult for you to reach all the areas of your teeth. You should remove the food debris and plaque by gently moving the toothbrush back and forth at a 45-degree angle, brushing on the top and bottom of your brackets as well as the spaces in between your teeth.

2. Flossing

Passing floss through the wires and brackets can be a difficult task. You can use interproximal brushes instead of the traditional floss. Additionally, you can switch to water flossers or oral irrigators to remove the debris, which can help in cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

3. Food and Drinks

While you may find it difficult to chew certain foods, it is essential to consume a balanced diet with nutritious foods even when you have braces. Certain foods that you must avoid are sugary drinks/juices, sticky foods, hard candy, chewing gum, nuts, popcorn, corn on the cob, jellybeans, and caramel. You must also avoid chewing on ice.^[2]

4. Regularly Visit Your Orthodontist

It is essential to visit your orthodontist every 4 to 12 weeks for regular adjustment appointments. In case you have a broken wire or bracket, contact your orthodontist immediately. You can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges temporarily.

5. Wear Your Retainers

If you have got your braces removed, you should continue using your retainers as recommended by your orthodontist. Retainers prevent your teeth from moving back to their original position, and you should make sure to clean them before placing and after removing them in your mouth.^[3]

MedBound Times reached out to orthodontists Dr. Chandra MG, MDS, and Dr. Amanda Wilson, DDS, to share their insights on the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene during braces treatment.

References:

1. Misaligned teeth and jaws: Learn More – Treatment with fixed braces. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553378/. Accessed on 20 March 2025.

2. Oral Care for the Orthodontic Patient. Available from: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/oral-health/fast-facts-oral-health/oral-care-orthodontic-patient.html. Accessed on 20 March 2025.

3. How do Braces Work? Available from: How Do Braces Work? | American Association of Orthodontists. Accessed on 20 March 2025.

By Dr. Nethra Suryanarayanan